SIMI VALLEY : Molestation Victim’s Fear Cited by Mother

A Christmas wish for a door alarm, written on a list of what otherwise were toys, is evidence of the fear a mentally disabled Simi Valley woman feels after being molested by a nurse’s aide while in the hospital, her mother told a judge Friday.

The mother, speaking on behalf of her 31-year-old daughter who has the mental capacity of an 8-year-old, asked that Victor E. Sumner be sentenced to the maximum term for molesting three female patients at Simi Valley Hospital on his first day of work.

Also addressing Ventura County Superior Court Judge Charles W. Campbell Jr. was a 73-year-old victim, who says she now stays in her mobile home with the curtains closed.

“Before this ordeal I was a very independent person,” said the elderly woman, speaking from a wheelchair. “After this experience, I am intimidated at the sight of strangers and no longer open my door.”

Sumner was scheduled to be sentenced Friday for his conviction on two counts of sexual battery and one charge of penetrating the disabled woman with his finger.

The sentencing was postponed because Sumner, who acted as his own attorney at trial, said he had hired a lawyer who could not be in court Friday.

Expressing irritation at the delay, Campbell offered to hear the victims’ statements so they would not have to return to court for the sentencing.

Representing two of the three victims at the hearing was attorney Gloria Allred, who told Campbell that “the hospital system failed to protect them from a criminal in their midst.”

The disabled woman’s mother said her daughter has changed since the attack from happy and outgoing to angry and fearful.

“Even her Christmas list reflects her fears,” the mother said.

“My heart fell when I read the words ‘door alarm’ in the midst of requests such as the Muppet Christmas tape, and a music box.”